X-Rays, Pain meds, & Bloodwork! Oh my!

[KHunter813]

One of my cats, Franklin, is a three year-old tabby. He has been sick since July 1st. He has seen my regular vet. They preformed X-Rays and bloodwork and found no explanation for Franklin’s symptoms. He has been given CERENIA for sedation during the tests, a nausea medication at the end of his visit, and prescribed Gabapentin for pain as of July 3rd. No change in symptoms from before giving pain meds (1/day). I’m considering seeking out a vet specialist for a second opinion. It’s July 4th and my vet is closed for the holiday, I’m unable to communicate with my vet to forward the documentation of the visit and tests to a specialist or update the vet that there have been no positive changes after the medication.

Monday, July 1st
- Came home in between work shifts to a sick cat
- Symptoms:
> Hiding
> Drooling
> Lethargic
> Mouth open
- Dropped off the cat at the vet for intake, Dr’s exam, and necessary testing
- Dr’s recommended testing: X-Rays and bloodwork
- Cat sedated using CERENIA
- Cat given reversal sedation after completing testing
- Informed that the Dr found nothing on either tests that would explain his symptoms
- Other notes on the vet visit: Also done - urinalysis, kidney function test, interpretation of X-Rays by a radiologist
- Cat given a nausea medication prior to picking up the cat the next day AM. He was boarded overnight at the vet because I was still working until after the vet had closed at 7pm.

Tuesday, July 3rd
- Cat picked up from the vet around 8am, 8:30am
- Franklin was taken home
- Franklin seemed to be “better” as he was jumping on and off the bedroom furniture and sitting on the windowsill looking outside
- I left for work at 10:30am and returned home from work at 9:30pm
- His mood and health seemed to have returned to prior the vet visit
- His automatic timed portioned cat feeder looked like he hadn’t eaten his 12pm, 4pm, or 8pm feedings

Wednesday, July 3rd
- Called the vet in the AM to inform them on his medical progress and inquire about an action plan
- The vet confirmed again that the tests were negative and recommended a pain medication
- Pain meds were picked up and brought home after work
- 1 capsule (1 dose) was given around 8:45pm
- Wet and dry food were offered but Franklin wasn’t interested
- Symptoms:
> Dilated pupils
> Eyes more than halfway closed - all of the time
> No drool on chin
> Lethargic
> Ears flattened
> Yowling occasionally
> Stays in one spot nearby a wall with one or both paws tucked under his body
> Tail down when he does get up and walk to a new spot

[KHunter813]

As far as the vet can tell, he hasn’t eaten something not meant for cats or have a dental problem.

[Ruth B]

Poor Franklin, I can't really offer any help but I did notice you mentioned he seemed better after being at the vets and then deteriorated when he came home, which does make me wonder if he is reacting to something in your house. Can you think of anything you introduced, bought, got given, started using etc at the end of June that was different that might be the cause.

Please let us know what happens and I hope the vets can work out what is wrong with him and get him back to his normal self.

[KHunter813]

Thank you for replying! I hadn’t thought about that which seems silly that I hadn’t considered that. I’ve look into that! I live with three roommates which makes it more difficult to narrow down the possibilities. Appreciate it!

I’m concerned about his fluid intake so I started using a teaspoon to pour water in his mouth and help him swallow like I would with pill. It would be easier to take him to the vet for them to subcutaneous fluids but it would stress him out more simply being at the vet. I could see if the vet would allow me to pick up an IV bag and admitted the fluids myself at home.

[Mollycat]

Water intake can be a double edged sword it's not as simple as the more the better. A cat's urine is quite strong and needs to be to keep the urinary tract free from infection causing bacteria. Cats don't sweat and rarely pant, they are adapted to hot climates and conserving water as well as getting most of the moisture they need from their food. Yes cats should drink but unless they have a definite problem they shouldn't need spoon or syringe hydration. Urine needs to be just right, not too concentrated and not too dilute. If you use a clumping litter, 2 to 3 clumps daily a little smaller than your fist is plenty, more than that or only 1 not every day would be cause for concern.

[booktigger]

Please be careful using a spoon to get water in a cats mouth, you need to do it from the side rather than the front or it could go in their lungs.